Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet

Name: Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Optional: toasted almonds for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love whipping up this Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet because it's a quick and delicious way to enjoy veggies. The vibrant green beans paired with rich, savory garlic butter make for a side dish that's both satisfying and flavorful. Plus, it comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or as a complement to a festive meal. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural taste of the green beans to shine through, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible.

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:07:18.650Z

When I first made this Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet, I was blown away by how quickly it came together. With just a handful of ingredients, it transformed into a side dish that my entire family raves about. The secret is really in the garlic and butter—cooking the garlic just until it's fragrant ensures that it adds a rich depth of flavor without becoming bitter.

Another tip I learned is to blanch the green beans in boiling water for a minute before sautéing them. This not only keeps them bright and vibrant, but it also helps maintain their crispness. The result is a stunning dish that pairs nicely with any main course.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh and vibrant green beans bathed in rich garlic butter.
Quick to prepare, making it a perfect side for any meal.
A simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

      

Perfecting the Green Beans

Using fresh green beans is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in this dish. Look for bright green beans that are firm and crisp, with no signs of wilting or browning. If fresh isn't available, you can substitute with frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy.

Blanching the green beans is key to preserving their vibrant color and crunch. The boiling water should be salted generously, as this enhances the beans' natural flavors. Be vigilant during the blanching process: just 1-2 minutes is enough to soften them slightly without losing their crispness. A quick plunge into an ice bath immediately afterward halts the cooking, ensuring they retain a lively texture.

The Magic of Garlic Butter

When melting the butter, keep the heat at medium to avoid browning it too quickly, which can lead to a burnt flavor that masks the garlic. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute; the cloves should become fragrant without turning golden. This balance is important—burnt garlic can impart bitterness that ruins the overall taste of the dish.

Drizzling lemon juice at the end not only brightens the flavors but also adds a fresh contrast to the rich garlic butter. Always taste before serving; if it lacks something, a pinch of salt or a dash more lemon juice can elevate the dish. For added complexity, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that complements the richness of the garlic butter.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet:

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: toasted almonds for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet:

Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 1-2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Combine and Season

Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss to coat everything evenly and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until heated through.

Serve

Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and, if desired, garnish with toasted almonds for extra crunch. Enjoy your delicious side dish!

This Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet is a versatile and delightful addition to any meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of soy sauce to the butter as it melts.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet can be partially prepared in advance. You can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for about three days. When ready to serve, just sauté them with the garlic butter for a quick reheat, saving you time during busy meal prep.

If you find yourself with leftover green beans after a meal, they can be used in various ways. Toss them into salads, incorporate them into stir-fries, or mix them into pasta dishes for added nutrition and flavor. The garlic butter flavor will enhance whatever dish you add them to, making them a versatile ingredient in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing this Garlic Butter Green Bean Skillet with a protein such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The richness of the garlic butter beautifully complements the savory elements of the main dish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside quinoa or brown rice to create a balanced and hearty plate.

To enhance your presentation, serve the green beans in a stylish dish and sprinkle with toasted almonds just before serving. This creates a delightful contrast both in texture and flavor, adding a nutty crunch to the buttery, tender beans. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with adding grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley for an extra layer of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before sautéing.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet until warmed through.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

→ Is there a vegan alternative?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.